The Children’s Place Family Center, Chicago, IL

This renovation of an existing bow-trussed warehouse building allowed for the accommodation of the very diverse programmatic requirements of The Children’s Place Association. In addition to its day care and community services, the facility required staff support areas, offices, lounge, boardrooms and private apartments intended for the shelter of HIV/AIDS-affected families. Common areas and classrooms are given spatial priority, maintaining a maximum of volume and natural light, and the creative use of inexpensive materials and fixtures creates dynamic spaces. An enclosed play area was created when damaged trusses and roof were removed, rather than repaired, opening the building to the sky. Large windows into the courtyard and skylights diffuse the building with natural light.